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Ocon phoned Force India F1 team-mate to resolve team orders row

Force India F1 driver Esteban Ocon says he phoned team-mate Sergio Perez to clear the air following the pair's Canadian Grand Prix team orders controversy

Ocon felt he missed the opportunity to score a maiden podium in Formula 1 in Montreal a fortnight ago because Perez chose not to move aside for him as they battled with Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo late in the race.

But after reflecting on events, Ocon said he respected Force India's decision to allow the pair to race one another and that he felt it was important to make sure there was no lingering tension with Perez.

"The team took the decision to let us both race, which is respectable," he said.

"It's great to see that they trust us and let us race.

"So we had a good discussion after the race in the debrief, and also I called Sergio during the week when everyone was relaxed.

"We discussed our points - so we are all set for the weekend and no tension between us."

When asked why he felt it important to call Perez, Ocon said: "First of all we had a plane to catch just after, so we were in a bit of rush to debrief.

"It's always good to do it a little bit after, to talk when you know everyone's relaxed and the weekend's finished.

"To have a further talk was quite important I think. "We just discussed our points freely, just us two, together.

"It was important to do that. As I said, now everything is settled down and we are ready to attack that race."

While Force India has ruled out any change to its team orders protocol, Ocon said he had no doubts that if one of its drivers was much faster than the other and backed up, the order would be made to let him through.

"What Force India always does it let both drivers race," he said.

"Of course, if there is a big difference of speed between the cars then they will for sure try to do something to always benefit the team at the end.

"But they didn't really want to do that in Montreal, which I think is very respectable, as I said.

"Now we will see if we get other opportunities here to do a great result."

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